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Chicago Academy Brass Band 2026-2027 Application and Audition Form

Student Information

Student First Name

Student Last Name

Student Email Address (optional)

Student Phone Number (optional)

Current School Attended

Name of Band Director (optional)

Grade Level (starting Fall 2026)

Parent/Guardian Contact Information

Parent/Guardian First Name

Parent/Guardian Last Name

Parent/Guardian Email Address

Parent/Guardian Phone Number

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Instrument Preferences and Experience

British Brass Bands use several brass instruments that are not typically found in North American Bands. Not to worry! No brass or percussion student will be unable to participate because of instrument limitations. In all cases, parts can be adapted (transposed) for the student or instruments can be provided.

Current primary band instrument

How many years has the student taken private lessons on the above instrument?

How many years has the student played in school bands or other ensembles, on any instrument?

Which instruments in the British Brass Band would the student be interested in learning?

To learn more, visit our explanation of the British Brass Band instruments.
Rank the top three instruments you are interested in. We will accommodate to the best of our ability; final instrumentation will ensure the ensemble has good balance.

1st Choice

2nd Choice

3rd Choice

Any comments or concerns about instrument preferences? (optional)

Audition and Placement Information

Brass and percussion students in grades 7-12 are welcome to audition for the Chicago Academy Brass Band. Students are required to submit a short video demonstrating their playing ability so that our music director can make thoughtful decisions about part assignments and music selection. If students are unable to record a video, please reach out to arrange an in-person audition.
Video submission requirements:
• For Brass Players: Submit two contrasting pieces or excerpts: one lyrical selection (demonstrating tone, musical expression, phrasing) and one technical selection (demonstrating articulation, rhythm, flexibility).
• For Percussionists: Submit one melodic piece or excerpt on a mallet instrument of your choice and one snare drum piece or excerpt.
• Keep each piece or excerpt to approximately 1-3 minutes.
• If you recorded an audition for ILMEA this year, you may submit that video to meet the audition requirements.
• Please send to youthbands@chicagobrassband.org by October 26.
Applications and video auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and acceptance emails will be sent as decisions are made. Space is limited in each section to maintain a balanced ensemble, so we encourage you to submit your application and audition video early. Once accepted, you’ll receive instructions for confirming your spot and completing registration. Please wait to receive your acceptance email before paying tuition.

Uniforms

Each student will need to purchase a uniform shirt for performances/contests. Details will be shared once registration is complete and we know our final numbers.

Other Information

How did you first hear about Chicago Academy Brass Band?

Tuition Information

Tuition for the Chicago Academy Brass Band for the 2026–2027 season is $550 per student. This fee covers the season’s rehearsals and performances, including the music director and coordinator, venue rental, and the purchase of music. The fee does not cover uniforms or travel costs for contests, such as transportation, lodging, and meals.

If tuition is a concern, please contact youthbands@chicagobrassband.org for more information after receiving your acceptance email.

Next Steps

Thank you for submitting your application to Chicago Academy Brass Band!
If we have any questions about your application or do not receive your audition video, we will reach out to you. Once we have reviewed your application and audition video, we will email you with the results and next steps.
For questions or concerns please email youthbands@chicagobrassband.org.